Radar Shield Coupler Structure for Fastener-Free Radome Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar apparatuses face challenges in efficiently coupling shielding plates to radomes, which can damage circuit boards and increase manufacturing time and cost due to the use of screws or ultrasonic welding, and may introduce foreign substances leading to short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus design featuring a shield with a coupler system that allows easy installation on a radome without separate fasteners, using elastic bodies and protrusions to securely attach the shielding plate, reducing manufacturing time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or ultrasonic welding are used to couple the shielding plate to the radome, then the shielding plate can be securely attached, but the circuit board may be damaged and manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A coupler component is introduced as an intermediary between the shielding plate and the radome. The coupler includes a first coupling portion that engages with the radome and a second coupling portion that engages with the shielding plate, enabling secure attachment without direct screw or ultrasonic welding contact with the circuit board, thus preventing damage while maintaining attachment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods (screws, ultrasonic welding) with a snap-fit coupling mechanism. The coupler uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking to achieve secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening systems that increase manufacturing complexity and risk of circuit board damage
2Reliability
If traditional coupling methods are used, then the shielding plate can be attached, but manufacturing time and cost increase due to complex processes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed to automatically engage and lock into position through its own elastic deformation and geometric features, without requiring external fastening operations. The elastic body deforms during assembly and naturally secures the shielding plate to the radome, enabling self-completing attachment that reduces manufacturing steps and improves productivity while maintaining reliable attachment
3Reliability
If screws are used for coupling, then secure attachment is achieved, but foreign substances may be introduced leading to short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler acts as an intermediary that completely encloses the coupling interface, preventing foreign substances from entering the space between the shielding plate and radome. The elastic body and housing structure create a sealed environment that isolates potential contaminants from sensitive electrical components, eliminating short circuit risks while maintaining secure attachment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design simplifies the coupling process, preventing circuit board damage and reducing manufacturing time and cost while ensuring stable attachment of the shielding plate, thus enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the coupler may include an elastic body which is formed on an outer surface of the sidewall to correspond to a position of the protrusion and which elastically presses the protrusion toward the sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
A radio detection and ranging (radar) apparatus may include an antenna including a plate-shaped circuit board having one surface provided with a first element and a second element mounted thereon to transmit or receive radio waves, a radome configured to cover the one surface of the circuit board and including a protrusion protruding from an inner surface thereof at a side towards the circuit board, a shield configured to cover the first element and including a coupler that is detachably coupled to the protrusion, and a case coupled to the radome to cover the other surface of the circuit board.